Jessica Galli is one for the books. Literally. She’s established herself as an athlete of stunning ability by setting four world-record performances in 2007 that earned her the title “Paralympian of the Year.” The honor, bestowed by the U.S. Olympic Committee, is an acknowledgment that Jessica is true winner in every sense of the word.
Galli, now a graduate student at the University of Illinois, became involved in adaptive sports soon after she became paralyzed in a car accident at the age of seven. She competed internationally at the age of 14 and, as the adage goes, the rest is history.
“She hates to lose, and that really drives her,” said Adam Bleakney, Galli’s coach. If she’s unhappy with her performance, she doesn’t feel defeated—instead, she uses it as a catalyst for trying harder and becoming stronger. Competing in the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, Galli never saw the podium. She noted, “To go to Athens and finish short in every race…has definitely been driving me and motivating me to keep training.”
Her persistence paid off. In 2006 she won two medals and, along with her additional triumphs last year, Ms. Galli has tallied up an astonishing total of six medals. That makes her “the one to beat” in Bejing in 2008. Galli is excited about the upcoming event and predicted, “It’s going to be a great year.” If her past is any indication of the future, Ms. Galli’s agility and attitude make her as unstoppable as ever.
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